They are both fantastic open-field runners. Comparing them is kind of pointless. I see them both being very elusive and making a lot of plays at the next level. If anything, I think Thomas may have a little bit better tools, especially long speed, while I think Austin is the more polished player. Had they both both been in the same draft more differences would be uncovered. That being said, if a team targeted them both but only one were available, I doubt that team would be complaining about its consolation prize.

I've been watching some more of Thomas since this thread took off, and I have to say... his game against Oregon State might've been the least impressive 122 yard, 3 TD game I've ever seen. He routinely got tackled behind the line of scrimmage and made poor reads. And I have no idea what some people on here are seeing when they talk about his physicality. He's not physical. He's really, really fast. That's about it. He can make some nice cuts, and he accelerates instantly, but he's really not in the same class as Tavon Austin. At least, not yet. That Oregon offense is made for track stars to shine.

I've been watching some more of Thomas since this thread took off, and I have to say... his game against Oregon State might've been the least impressive 122 yard, 3 TD game I've ever seen. He routinely got tackled behind the line of scrimmage and made poor reads. And I have no idea what some people on here are seeing when they talk about his physicality. He's not physical. He's really, really fast. That's about it. He can make some nice cuts, and he accelerates instantly, but he's really not in the same class as Tavon Austin. At least, not yet. That Oregon offense is made for track stars to shine.

....Physical in comparison to Tavon Austin (does a better job staying on his feet during contact and fighting for more yardage).

....Physical in comparison to Tavon Austin (does a better job staying on his feet during contact and fighting for more yardage).

I don't know, maybe it takes a little longer to get him down once he's wrapped up, but I didn't see him breaking many tackles.

Fwiw I'm not trying to call "bust" here, because he's magically fast, but I think Tavon was a legit top-10 pick (not "just this year" like some people are saying), but I don't really see that with DT. (YET. Could totally happen by the end of next year, and it's worth remembering that Tavon was a senior and DT's only going to be a junior this upcoming year - players still develop a lot in those two years.) I think I'd honestly feel better about his draft prospects if Oregon just played him at wide receiver all year; I feel like I know what he is as a running back. It's not that he can't take a handoff, but he's certainly not a guy who's going to carry an offense from that position, so I'd like to see him develop in the passing game.

I don't know, maybe it takes a little longer to get him down once he's wrapped up, but I didn't see him breaking many tackles.

Fwiw I'm not trying to call "bust" here, because he's magically fast, but I think Tavon was a legit top-10 pick (not "just this year" like some people are saying), but I don't really see that with DT. (YET. Could totally happen by the end of next year, and it's worth remembering that Tavon was a senior and DT's only going to be a junior this upcoming year - players still develop a lot in those two years.) I think I'd honestly feel better about his draft prospects if Oregon just played him at wide receiver all year; I feel like I know what he is as a running back. It's not that he can't take a handoff, but he's certainly not a guy who's going to carry an offense from that position, so I'd like to see him develop in the passing game.

He's a little bit bigger, will be the no.1 tailback heading into the season. If UO doesn't blow out teams like last year, that could also help his touches. I expect a La'Michael/Kenjon type season from him.

Originally Posted by JoeJoeBrown
The most important thing, however, is how strong their swagger factors are.
Newton
South of the Mason Dixon +10 swagger
Barely literate +5 swagger
Thief +15 swagger
Kicked off of a team of thugs +20 swagger
Big, average speed -3 swagger
Hasn't done jacksquat on the field +15 swagger
Total Swagger: 62ATL College Park Zone 3* +20 swagger Bonus pts

Originally Posted by JoeJoeBrown
The most important thing, however, is how strong their swagger factors are.
Newton
South of the Mason Dixon +10 swagger
Barely literate +5 swagger
Thief +15 swagger
Kicked off of a team of thugs +20 swagger
Big, average speed -3 swagger
Hasn't done jacksquat on the field +15 swagger
Total Swagger: 62ATL College Park Zone 3* +20 swagger Bonus pts

Not a duck fan, but Helfrich's (Chip disciple) running the same scheme over there at UO. Black Momba will probably be the focal point of that offense like Kenjon was last year. I expect Heisman numbers barring injury.

He's bulked up a bit this year, but he's still a small dude (probably low 170's). He's more physical and tougher to bring down than Tavon despite being not as thick the last two seasons.

Come combine time I can see him at 190 if he plans on staying at RB.

__________________

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeJoeBrown
The most important thing, however, is how strong their swagger factors are.
Newton
South of the Mason Dixon +10 swagger
Barely literate +5 swagger
Thief +15 swagger
Kicked off of a team of thugs +20 swagger
Big, average speed -3 swagger
Hasn't done jacksquat on the field +15 swagger
Total Swagger: 62ATL College Park Zone 3* +20 swagger Bonus pts

That is notable because durability is obviously going to be a concern with Thomas considering his lack of size.

Tavon Austin could always point to his clean medical record but Thomas will now have at least one issue.

How much time are we talking? Someone has to step up because I need to see Oregon playing in the Nat'l title game.

__________________

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeJoeBrown
The most important thing, however, is how strong their swagger factors are.
Newton
South of the Mason Dixon +10 swagger
Barely literate +5 swagger
Thief +15 swagger
Kicked off of a team of thugs +20 swagger
Big, average speed -3 swagger
Hasn't done jacksquat on the field +15 swagger
Total Swagger: 62ATL College Park Zone 3* +20 swagger Bonus pts

I wouldn't be sir prized if he passed McCoy on the depth chart. I think he might have a better arm and accurate arm then him from the highlights I thought. He also got some wheels too help us prepare for QB's as Wilson , RG3 and other runners etc.

He is not playing this week because Colorado is not that good and their next game is a big one when they travel to Washington. De'Anthony Thomas will be the next Chris Johnson in the NFL and will be selected in the Top 15, most likely Top 10.

I think McCluster was considerably tougher as a player but Thomas is more dynamic. He will be a WR in the nfl but I'm not sure how good he is as a WR yet. As a 3rd down back I have little confidence in his ability to pass block at 165lbs. Putting on weight while still being fast at the combine will make him money.

He is clearly explosive but I don't know his position. He is too thin for a RB and not really a WR. I don't know where I'd put him honestly.

I think he is a lot like Oregon as a team. Super impressive when he is going against teams that are less athletic than him, but when the speed advantage isn't there he won't look nearly as special. Everyone in the NFL is fast and they are bigger too. Even Sproles and Having have 15 - 20 lbs on Thomas.

I'd really consider his value in the 3rd, but I'm sure he will go in the top 2 rounds. It only takes one coach to see him as special.

I think McCluster was considerably tougher as a player but Thomas is more dynamic. He will be a WR in the nfl but I'm not sure how good he is as a WR yet. As a 3rd down back I have little confidence in his ability to pass block at 165lbs. Putting on weight while still being fast at the combine will make him money.

He is clearly explosive but I don't know his position. He is too thin for a RB and not really a WR. I don't know where I'd put him honestly.

I think he is a lot like Oregon as a team. Super impressive when he is going against teams that are less athletic than him, but when the speed advantage isn't there he won't look nearly as special. Everyone in the NFL is fast and they are bigger too. Even Sproles and Having have 15 - 20 lbs on Thomas.

I'd really consider his value in the 3rd, but I'm sure he will go in the top 2 rounds. It only takes one coach to see him as special.

I agree particularly with the bolds. However, I do think he has the potential to be one of the fastest players in the whole NFL and as long as he's not expected to "carry the load," (and honestly, I don't think anyone does - I think he's pretty universally viewed as a home run hitter) I think he has the potential to provide a high return for the team that drafts him. He doesn't have the lateral quickness of Tavon Austin, but he can probably carve a niche for himself somewhere as a change of pace runner and returner, and someone who teams get the ball to on screens and outlet passes, and if he can develop as a legitimate deep threat, all the better.